Head of the International Development Cooperation Agency of China Wang Xiaotao has paid a courtesy call on President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
During the call held at the President’s Office, the president conveyed warm greeting and best wishes to the President of China Xi Jinping and welcomed the Chinese delegation to the Maldives. Highlighting the Sina-Male’ Bridge will be inaugurated this evening, the president stated the bridge reflects the aspirations of the Maldivian people, especially the youth. In this regard, President Yameen expressed his sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to the president and the people of China for their tremendous support in realising this dream.
During the meeting Wang Xiaotao, who is in Maldives as a representative of the government of China, the president highlighted the warm and long-lasting bonds of friendship between China and the Maldives, noting it sets a great example of a relationship between larger and smaller countries. President Yameen also underscored the Sino-Maldives partnership is mutually beneficial to both countries, and expressed his ardent desire to further reinvigorate and diversify the close bonds of friendship.
During the call, Wang Xiaotao conveyed greetings from the Chinese President to President Yameen. Noting the high regard President Xi Jinping accords to the Sina-Male’ Bridge, Wang Xiaotao expressed his gratitude for the invitation to be part of the historic event. He also conveyed his appreciation for the Maldivian people’s sentiments towards the Sina-Male´ Bridge. Wang Xiaotao also assured the president of China’s continuous support and contribution towards the social and economic development of the Maldives. He also wished success to the president for the upcoming presidential election.
President Yameen was accompanied at the meeting by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the Ambassador of Maldives to China Mohamed Faisal.
With the government preparing to inaugurate the Sina-Male' Bridge, connecting Male’ City and Hulhule’, it has been revealed five-member delegation from China, led by Wang Xiaotao, will attend the ceremony.
The Sina-Male’ Bridge was constructed at a cost of USD 200 million, out of which the government of China provided USD 100 million as grant aid and USD 70 million was provided as loan aid. The remaining amount was funded by the government of Maldives. The bridge is the largest infrastructure development project to be ever conducted in Maldives.